Research from Dr Adrian Farrugia has explored how young people understand alcohol and other drug consumption as part of everyday life.
“Rather than focusing on risks and harm, this study examined some of the meaningful experiences and social connections associated with intoxication,” Dr Farrugia says.
The study found that young people often spoke about more subtle forms of intoxication, rather than intense pleasure or harm.
“Participants reported feeling a little bit happier, a little bit more open, relaxed, or comfortable in everyday activities,” he says.
“These experiences were part of routine events such as spending time with friends, talking with family, camping, listening to music, or watching movies.”
Dr Farrugia says the study challenges the assumption that all alcohol and drug use is inherently disruptive.
“By drawing on sociological approaches to everyday life, our research demonstrates how alcohol and other drug consumption can be understood not only as a source of risk or extraordinary pleasure but also as an unremarkable part of daily life.”
Dr Farrugia’s next step will be to translate the findings into educational resources for young people.
“These resources will respond to young people’s lived experiences of the ordinary, nuanced, and often ambivalent role that alcohol and other drugs play in their lives.”
